toddcontra

Bob (yes, I'll stick with the nickname), As you'll remember, the rest of the corps was also required to have at least one "buddy" while in uniform. Another tradition I appreciated.

C'mon Ogre, it was MY contra playing and marching that changed their life! b**bs My first show was the first one I marched in as well. Some '88 Freelancer help me, where was our first show that year? Riverside?

I'd like to hear more about Danny Olivera. Actually, I have two requests. 1. I'd like to know more about him from those that marched with him. 2. I'd like to hear more about the legend, or story or whatever you want to call it. All I can recall is a story of his "ghost" being seen on one of the busses by a member of the corps that had gone back to get something they forgot. This is a very interesting part of Freelancer lore that I want to know more about! Thanks!

Now THAT is General Effect! LOL :P

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Chad actually fall off the podium after a jump during the last run through at rehearsal on the day of Semi Finals in 1990? I seem to have that vision in my head and don't think I dreamt it.

I was on tour in '92 (as a driver) so was probably there, but have no recollection of Des Plains. What happened?

MikeBob, I see you haven't changed your niggling ways! However, I believe you are correct about Adam joining in '90. Adam, where are you to help us with this??? I know someone out there can get in touch with him!

'90 vets and staff...please help me remember/understand what the **** happened in the Batman reprise at the end of the Semi-Finals show!!! All I remember (and it is vivid) the show almost falling completely apart due to a timing thing toward the beginning of that tune. I remember hearing a contra (turned out it was Paul Rich) who was still on and I heard later that Bill Garcia was with him in the pit. I also remember the RUSH/HYPE I felt when I knew we were all back "on"!!! The way we salvaged that show along with the fact it was the last show I ever marched, created the only moment (I can remember) that I actually let my emotions get the best of me ON the field. At the final note, when I brought my horn down, I SCREAMED and couldn't help it. A bit embarrasing and so "un-hardcell" now that I type this out but hey, it was real...

Glad you posted this Scotty. I marched CSUN and always loved that fact that there was the strong Freelancer connection. Besides the previously mentioned (Lance Delgado, Roger Johnson, etc. ) I have to include Al Nelson (Freelancer soprano '81) in the mix. Some others (I know there's more) include Don Nieman (Freelancer tymp '85), Christine Clayton (Freelancer guard '89), Eric Douglas (Freelancer cymbals '87), Terry Dawson (Freelancer contra '88), Ken Mengal (Freelancer baritone '89), Melody Beam (Freelancer guard '90), Lisa Marsh (Freelancer guard '92), Thom Willet (Freelancer soprano '87), Adam Payne (Freelancer soprano '89 - ?, DM (?)), Doris Trachtman (Freelancer mellophone '90), Lynn Vartan (Freelancer pit ??) Melissa Scott (Freelancer guard '87 - '89), Bill Garcia (Freelancer pit '90 -?) I'm sure I've missed many and also screwed up some years for those I mentioned...sorry. I'm also sorry to say I didn't know the Matador Band was no longer around. What happened to that? Also, there was a strong Freelancer presence at my high school alma mater, Royal High School in Simi Valley. Any others out there that went to Royal?

Ogre - Appreciate you bringing back a common tour malady I hadn't actually thought of in years!! <**> And, yes, now that you mention it, I hadn't used the word "hype" in several years until a couple weeks ago! I'm hyped(!) that you signed on to this thing...You've brought back a great Charliesm that I hadn't thought of.

The name Greg Morgan will forever be synonymous with the word "FOCUS", which Greg would yell at the beginning of every show. Greg, correct me on this but my guess is you were directing that at the color guard. However, it became (at least for me) a reminder to bear down and do a good show. And like many routines a source of comfort, having gotten used to hearing it every show. Greg wasn't my instructor but it was always awesome having him around to provide a voice of experience to me as a rookie in '88.

Good one Bob! I feel the same way. I'm checking it SEVERAL times a day (not helping my workload) but I can't resist! Must.....check.....freelancer blog.....!!!

Thanks Dutch...

I have a request for Mike Grogan (I see you online, Mike)...or anybody else for that matter. Back in the day, I read a story of a Black Knight, a Freelancer who did battle with many other knights who fought under various colored flags. The Freelancer fought under no flag.... Mike I think you probably wrote it. I'd love to read it again. Can you post it? Part of the magic of the corps for me was the freelancer lore. Mike you were the one who taught and told that better than anyone. Please share with all of us... Also, Mike are you still in touch with Erik? Can't remember his last name but he was the 6'7'' bari player from Santa Barbara. I've been wondering about him... Thanks, Todd

If that were to happen, I'm thinkin "Born Again" would need to be played in ANTICIPATION.... Of course, Emmanuel would be sweet to hear live again...